Words and Photos: LMW
A two-piece doom/metal/post-rock outfit blending heavy riffs with immersive, atmospheric soundscapes. Despite having only two members, they command the room with the power and depth of a five-piece band. Drummer/vocalist Sophie and guitarist/vocalist Newt formed the project last year, and they’re gearing up for their first gig this November with Kling Klang. We sat down with them to learn more about the band and what to expect from their upcoming debut show.
LMW: We are really excited to know more about MIZZO, how did the band start?
N: The band started when I learned that Sophie was learning the drums. I have known Sophie for 20 years and knew of her (similar to mine) marvellous music taste. I petitioned her to begin a musical act, and she agreed. Having visited Vulcan Studios since 1996 (!), I vowed that we would base ourselves there and we have ever since.
S: It’s been a really lovely experience starting the band with Newt. I’d been having drum lessons for six months or so and knew that playing with someone else would help me develop, but I didn’t really have any expectations about what would happen. As Newt says, we’ve got similar musical tastes, but I was really nervous at the start. Newt was patient and sound though, and sonically it clicked quite quickly really.
LMW: Who would you say are your main influences?
N: I would say influences evolve – however, the main ones are pretty undeniable. Mastodon, Bohren & der Club of Gore, Angelo Badalamenti, Helmet, Tool, Failure.
S: Mizzo definitely have a strong goth-y leaning. The Cure, Bauhaus, Sabbath etc are definite influences, but I also love post metal bands like Isis.
LMW: So what albums played a significant role in shaping your taste in music? Do they influence and shape your own music?
N: The first albums I was really into were Number of the Beast and Killers by Iron Maiden when I was nine, on tape. My best friend in primary school nicked them from his older brother and lent them to me. I listened to them obsessively, and I’d even argue that the strong melodic guitar lines and vocal delivery have definitely found their way into Mizzo.
The real turning point, though, was when I first listened to Nevermind — like so many people. The first time I heard “Teen Spirit” kick in, aged twelve (I think Kurt had only just passed), I literally fell onto my bed, experiencing an emotion I’ve never been able to replicate. It just sounded like the rest of my life.
S: Nirvana had a massive impact on my musical tastes too, and I LOVED Hole when I was in school. Me and my pals were in a grunge band called Crave – essentially a Hole tribute act formed of small, red haired children. Tool, A Perfect Circle, Faith No More, Isis and Dillinger Escape Plan are bands I always return to, but I’ve always liked a big range of music outside of that. Vespertine (Björk)is one of my favourite albums ever, and I love Billie Holiday, Christine and the Queens, Etta James and lots of outstanding women. Can you hear Etta in Mizzo? It’s unlikely.
LMW: Your first show is with Kling Klang, and you each have your own distinct sound. What’s it like gearing up to share a stage with a band that plays something a bit different from what you do?
N: I would dispute that music is different tbh! Kling Klang are definitely an influence on the riffs I write, and I think we definitely have parallels where we ride riffs throughout a tune.
LMW: Your previous band existed in a different sonic universe. Are there parts of that musical identity that will follow you into MIZZO?
N: I’ve been in a lot of bands, and some have consistencies with Mizzo – but a few of them don’t. I guess the bands where I have written more have been more Mizzo-like, and the ones where I haven’t, haven’t!
S: The last band I was briefly in was called Torpedo Pig and we were rated the worst band in Liverpool on GigWise in 2002. So I hope not. Sorry boys!
LMW: What does the future hold for Mizzo?
N: I listened to Mizzo and all I got was more depressed haha.
If you’re into the haunting, existential soundscapes of Angelo Badalamenti, the deep and intricate punch of Tool, and the crushing, unapologetic power of Helmet, then you need to be at MIZZO’s upcoming show.
🎸 Friday, 28 November 2025
📍 Outpost Liverpool (77 Renshaw St, Liverpool L1 2SJ) — supporting Kling Klang
Expect a collision of noise, energy, and pure creative chaos.
Don’t settle for hearing about it afterward. Be there when MIZZO shakes the walls and leaves a crater where the stage used to be.
Links:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mizzomusic